Maqic jan 2017

issue 02

January 2017

maqic living qigong:become what you practice

inside: new classes and timetable / new subscriptions / how to use the energy of the Rooster / Now taking bookings for our Spring Retreat in Scotland

issue 02

contents January 2017

03 YEAR OF THE YIN FIRE ROOSTER

05 A QUICK & FUN GUIDE ON HOW TO USE THE ENERGY OF THE YEAR

09 WISHING TREE

10 SAMYE LING MONASTERY RETREAT IN MAY

11 LEARN THE BASICS COURSE IN FEBRUARY

13/14/15/16 NEW CLASSES

maqic 02

2017 Year of the Yin Fire Rooster Did you benefit from the high-

instructing him to leave (that Monkey

What does a 100% metal animal

energy of the Yang Fire Monkey in

has done enough mischief for one

mean? It means that Roosters

2016? Or was the Monkey’s

year). The energy will shift from

embody a lot of metal

unpredictable and mischievous

unpredictable and impulsive to more

characteristics: talkative, good

energy too much for you? Are you

orderly and controlled. The five

communicators, loyal and hard-

ready to see the back of that crazy

element energy of the year gears

working. Metal energy is also about

Monkey and say hello to the hard-

down as well, moving from yang (big)

having a sense of control, planning

working and loyal Rooster?

fire to yin (little) fire. Yin fire energy is

and getting organised.

about warmth and generosity, rather You may already be feeling the

than the big visibility and successes

The heavenly stem of 2017 is yin fire

energy slowly shifting in a new

of yang fire.

(Ding) and the earthly branch is

direction. This time of year, I begin

03

Rooster (You) according to the

to anticipate and open myself up to

The Rooster is a metal animal. It is

interactions of the Wu Xing, or the

the energy of the new year. At the

one of the four zodiacal animals that

Five Elements, fire controls metal.

end of January (January 28th) the

are pure elements, which means that

Energetically fire melts metal.

Rooster will strut in confidently,

the Rooster is the most metal of all

Remember that the stem of 2017 is

squawking at the Monkey,

the animals. The other animals that

yin fire, and the Rooster is all metal,

are pure elements are Rat: water,

so the Rooster will feel a little heat

Rabbit: wood, and Horse: fire.

and warmth, becoming more

maqic

malleable.

cont'd The yin fire will soften the

2.

Rooster’s normally verbose and

Increase the earth element. The

cocky nature. Hopefully this mix

earth element is all about

of elements will mean a more

nurturing, grounding and stability.

controlled and even-tempered

We all need more of this in our

year.

life. Embrace the yin fire of 2017; sharing warmth and generosity

Get organized, have a plan

with others. After a year of yang

and spread the love.

fire, we don’t feel the need to add more fire, instead we want

The theme for 2017 is to embrace

to find balance and harmony.

the warmth of yin fire and work

Following the nature of the five

with the metal energy of the

elements: fire creates earth, and

rooster. Here are two things you

earth in turn, creates metal. By

can do to align yourself with this

adding more earth into our lives

year’s energy:

we are completing the elemental cycle of 2017 and supporting the

1.

metal energy that we are

Getting organised and having a

craving.

clear vision of what you want to do this year. The Monkey was a

How to add more earth: You can

trying year for many with lots of

add earth on an intentional and

changes especially in work, and

energetic level, for example,

for some maybe that was well

spend more time with family,

received for others it

connect with the earth by

may have felt like your head was

walking and practicing Qigong

spinning. For those of you who

and support, nurture and guide

are artistic, and left-brained

others when they feel

people, with all that productive

disconnected. You can also bring

energy it was doubly challenging

the earth element in your home

to stay focused. The Monkey

by introducing plants with soil

energy kept throwing great ideas

and the colour yellow or brown.

and successes, but it caused us to grasp at things that were not necessarily in-line with our vision.

Metal energy will be good for us and this will mean that we definitely need to stick with our vision and stay focused.

maqic 04

A quick and fun guide on how to use the energy of the new year Fire rooster energy and the 12 animals

Are you in the flow, moving in tune with the energy of

Please remember that this is a fun guide and it is with your

2017, or does it already feel like you are swimming against

intention, self-care practice, good deeds, and hard-work that

the current? Taking a broader view, and looking at the

you can shift the balance. You can take control of your life

overall elemental energy of the new year, we can see how

through action, self-nurturing and compassion.

our own energy may be impacted. The twelve zodiacal animals are a fun, and often illuminating way to gain

The animal and the elements have specific attributes and

awareness around the type of energy coming your way.

qualities that affects the energy of the year. The official

These predictions are a way to shine a light on a blind

astrological year of the Ding You or Fire Rooster begins on

spot, reveal an issue that may need attending; never a

February 3rd and the Lunar New Year celebrations take place

cause for fear or worry. The energy of the year may be like

on January 28th.

the wind at your back, giving you a gentle push in the right direction. Or it may reveal a shadow or vulnerability that

Rooster year qualities and energy:

needs to be addressed. Rather than using a good/bad scale to review the year, let’s look at how each animal is

Demanding

flowing in this year’s elemental energy. Are you in sync

Focused and decisive

with this year’s energy or will you need to do a little extra

Vigilant

work to get in the flow?

Alert Orderly

The basics: There is an energetic interaction between

your birth year and the current year. To quote the Chinese

Yin Fire year qualities and energy:

saying the animal assigned to your birth year “is the

05

animal that hides in your heart.” Your birth year has a

Warm

branch (animal) and stem (element), and so does the

Caring

current year. This year it is the Year of the Fire Rooster, yin

Instability (think of a candle flickering)

fire is the element/stem for 2017.

Impulsive

maqic

Inspiring

cont'd The Rooster is a bit of a task-master, a much different energy than the mischievous Monkey. The yin fire’s warmth will hopefully be enough to soften the Rooster’s verbose and cocky nature.

Find out if you are in sync with this year’s energy or will you

RABBIT:

need to do a little extra work to get in the flow?

1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011 RAT The energy: Too fast

1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 What you need to know: The pace feels a little quick for the The energy: Beneficial

Rabbit which means more opportunity but vigilance and caution are needed. The peaceful Rabbit will need to use his

What you need to know: Use your keen rat intelligence this

keen eyes and ears to stay alert.

year to make the most of the structured and organized energy of the Rooster. This is a great year for love for the single Rat.

What to do: Don’t feel pushed into anything (opportunities

will come). Be mindful and take rest when needed.

What you can do: Make and execute concise plans. Use your

resourceful Rat nature to leverage the metal energy of the

You are most compatible with: Pig, Sheep and Dog

Rooster.

You clash with: Rooster You are most compatible with: Dragon, Monkey, Rat and Ox DRAGON: You clash with: Horse

1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 OX The energy: Bask in the glow of the flow

1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 What you need to know: Your best friend the Rooster is The energy: In the flow

shining on you bringing good luck, but don’t get too cocky or complacent. The Rooster is wants you to have a plan and you

What you need to know: The ox is no stranger to hard work so

will need to stay focused.

he/she will fare well. The Ox is in harmony with the Rooster.

What to do: Do your best to avoid arguments and take the

What to do: Remain professional and take the high road. You

high road. Spread your wings and the love. You have many

will have new social opportunities, so make the most of it.

blessings so sprinkle loving kindness wherever you go.

You are most compatible with: Rooster, Snake and Rat

You are most compatible with: Rat, Monkey and Rooster

You clash with: Ram/Sheep

You clash with: Dog

TIGER

SNAKE

1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

The energy: A good place, enjoy the boost.

The energy: In harmony

What you need to know: After last year, you can relax (lick

What you need to know: The Snake’s energy of is in line with

your wounds) and enjoy.

that of the Rooster. You both like order and structure. This is a good time to focus on your career.

What to do: Stay focused on your own business, try not to get

sucked in to others peoples’ drama. Do not try to do everything

What to do: Keep your eyes on your own work and stick to

on your own, you will succeed through collaboration.

your plan. Use the support of loved ones.

You are most compatible with: Horse, Dog and Pig

You are most compatible with: Rooster, Ox and Monkey

You clash with: Monkey

You clash with: Pig

maqic 06

HORSE

ROOSTER

1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

The energy: Feeling the pressure to conform

The energy: Happy place

What you need to know: Horses are free spirits. They like to

What you need to know: You will have many blessings. This is

gallop along, travelling and moving where they please. They

a great year to hone your plan and set it in motion. Watch your

may buck up against the controlled energy of the Rooster.

work load, and don’t try to do everything (just because you can

But the good news is that horses are tough, they often carry a

plan and execute it doesn’t mean you should do it).

burden and don’t complain.

What to do: Seek out helpful people and guides.

What to do: See the positives in being tethered this year.

Spend time at home, and reign in your spending.

You are most compatible with: Ox, Snake and Dragon

You are most compatible with: Tiger, Dog and Ram

You clash with: Rabbit

You clash with: Rat

DOG

MONKEY

DOG 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

The energy: Swimming upstream

The energy: Tempering and controlled

What you need to know: The Dog has never liked the

squawking Rooster. Too much arguing for the sensible dog.

What you need to know: On occasion, the Monkey needs

There will be opportunities but they may not always go your

this kind of energy. It is good to keep him/her from swinging

way.

too far off course.

What to do: Meditate and find wise guides to help you What to do: Less gut decisions and more based on fact and

overcome obstacles. Stay grounded and wait it out – next year

resources. Surround yourself with supportive people. If you

is your year.

stay focused and have a plan this is a good time to start a new business.

You are most compatible with: Tiger, Horse and Rabbit

You are most compatible with: Rat, Dragon and Snake

You clash with: Dragon

You clash with: Tiger

PIG

RAM/SHEEP

1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007

1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1991, 2003, 2015

The energy: Disciplined

The energy: Asks a lot of you, but can be enlightening

What you need to know: This year is about self-improvement

for the Pig. Focus on your health and well-being. Try to take What you need to know: Learn to love the pace and order

the high road in conflicts.

of the Rooster. Be resolute and focus on the positive. Your peaceful nature will find the Rooster’s orderly and demanding

What to do: Stay conservative in money matters.

energy challenging at times.

You are most compatible with: Sheep, Rabbit and Tiger What to do: Build on what is working and find wise counsel

to support you along the way.

You are most compatible with: Rabbit, Pig and Horse

You clash with: Ox

07

maqic

You clash with: Snake

wishing tree Chinese New Year is one of the most significant and important festivals in the Chinese calendar. Celebrations

During Chinese New Year, villagers would

Although people are now discouraged

travel for miles to visit the sacred Lam

from throwing their wishes up into the

Tsuen Wishing Trees, two ancient banyan

trees, tourists and locals still make the

trees situated near the Tin Hau Temple in

journey to the small village every year to

Fong Ma Po village, one of the 23

tie their wishes onto wooden support

traditional Chinese villages that make up

beams, imitation trees or racks that

Lam Tsuen.

surround the original wishing trees.

It is believed that the wishing custom

A Place To Be will be honouring the

originated from fishermen who would

wishing tree tradition by offering all

throw paper josses made from bamboo

students during this festive time the

into every Tai Pak Kung (earth god) tree on

opportunity to write their wishes and hang

their way into the New Territories of Hong

them on our 'communitree'. These wishes

Kong to bring them good luck and

will be kept on the tree for the entire year.

traditionally run from the last day of the last month (known as Chinese New Year’s Eve) to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month.

Within China, traditions and customs vary widely depending on region. Typically, most people begin festivities on the Chinese New

protection.

Year’s Eve with a family-oriented dinner, often bringing together family members who work away from home for a reunion. It is also customary for families to thoroughly clean the house, sweeping away ill-fortune and bad luck to make way for incoming good luck.

Historically, people would burn joss sticks before writing their wishes down, tying it to a small orange or kumquat, and then throwing the wish up to hang in the branches of the trees. It was believed that if the wish successfully hung onto one of the branches, the person’s wish would

The Chinese New Year tradition of the wishing tree arguably began hundreds of years ago in Lam Tsuen, Hong Kong.

09

maqic

come true. The higher the branch the wish landed on, the more likely it would be for the person’s hopes to be fulfilled.

samye ling retreat may 2017 This retreat gives you a chance to put aside the concerns and demands of your everyday routine. By getting away from the noise and clutter of the city or where ever you come from, you can begin to relax and open up.

Many people come on retreat to feel more grounded, calmer and in touch with themselves and take in the enchanting Samye Ling Monastery and to explore the early summer countryside of Eskdalemuir, Scotland.

Those who go on retreat regularly find these qualities pervading the rest of their lives, and can live more and more from their human potential.

Going on retreat gives you the opportunity to share time, and inspiration with like-minded people from all walks of life. Many people find that a sense of community develops as a retreat progresses, and lasting friendships are born from their experience.

Retreats are an opportunity to deepen your awareness of yourself, other people, and the world around you.

They give you space to clarify what is essential in your life. And as such, a retreat can be a challenging, life changing experience.

10

maqic Visit www.aplacetobe.me for more information

learn the basics of qigong 4 week course Starting Tuesday 7th February (14th, 21st, 28th) 6-7pm

Learn the key principles of Qigong at A Place To Be with Deniz or Laurie Paradot. Develop your personal practice, participate in class with confidence and cultivate your ability to manage daily stresses and strains naturally.

Due to the growing popularity of our classes, we are offering four 'Learn the Basics' sessions each month. Suitable for new students and existing students who are interested in finding out how to get the most out of their practice. The sessions will run every month, so if you can't make one or two, you can catch up the following month..

This course is not a prerequisite to starting class, but it will provide a real hands on experience of this beautiful life art.

The Learn the Basics sessions will cover:

MERIDIANS AND QI - basic understanding of TCM WUJI - the underlying standing posture BELLY BREATHING - the core breathing technique used throughout our practice SUNG - how to release tension and let go SHAKING - waking up the mind, body and spirit SWAI SHOU - the three swings to open the energy gates TAPPING - learning how to tap (massage) and open the spine NECK AND SPINAL CURLING - how to use the power of your breath to create space in the neck and spine TING - how to listen and observe your body CLOUD HANDS - This simple yet beautiful form allows you to work on lots of different qigong principles in an integrated way. It will loosen up the body, smooth out your nervous system, and allow you to enter the Qi state.

ÂŁ24 per person. Click here to book (please drop us an email when you do) or go to our website www.aplacetobe.me

11

maqic

new year new qigong new classes new you

After practicing various Qigong styles for more than 20 years, I consider Hunyuan Qigong to be one of the most powerful and comprehensive methods I have ever studied. Like other Qigong systems, it focuses on wellbeing and longevity, correcting all sorts of imbalance, whether the body is too yang (as in autoimmune disease or inflammatory conditions) or too yin (as in immune deficiency conditions or depletion). The twelve meditative movements of Hunyuan Qigong trains one’s intention to direct the qi. It increases the sensation of qi and helps to train the mind to lead the qi. It specifically focuses on fostering a deep level of relaxation and cultivating energy in the Dantian (the body centre) to nurture oneself. This practice produces a strong sensation of qi through the meridians and at different acupuncture points. It is easy to do and very enjoyable.

Every time one practices this Qigong, one can expect mental clarity and abundance of energy.

Hunyuan Qigong is a delight to experience and rewards its practitioners with noticeable results. The tools to enjoy relaxation, calmness of mind, freedom of movement and good health are at your disposal. The more regular your practice, the more your mind and body will benefit, the more joy you will feel!

We will be starting Hunyuan Qigong from Monday 27th February 2017 and we are excited to offer you a new class timetable, with Open Practice Sessions and three levels of commitment (from 1st March).

13

maqic

Our Promise Affordability, Flexibility and Opportunity We believe the best way to benefit from Qigong is to Live Qigong. Living Qigong means to practice as often as you can in your everyday life. But .... we get it - life happens: work, children, sickness, holidays. Before you know it you can't get to class. With all the disruptions of home, creating a personal practice can seem very difficult.

We want to help by offering you more classes to choose from, complete flexibility and by making our classes affordable, especially when you choose our new Jing option. As a Jing student, you'll come to class as often as you like, and with 8 Classes and 7 Open Practice Sessions to choose from every week, you'll have plenty of opportunity to make your practice part of your life. Become what you practice.

Our new Open Practice Sessions are an ideal opportunity to Live Qigong and establish your personal practice, whether it is our current form or an old favourite, or you may want to just sit and meditate, and absorb the lovely energy of the space.

We can only keep our prices affordable when you also show commitment to us. We never ask you to sign a contract, however we do ask that Jing and Shen students commit to a 12 month subscription, which can be

Living Qigong.

It's a whole lot more than a membership, it's a lifestyle.

cancelled at any time.

14

maqic

15maqic

Living Qigong

Jing lifest

y

-

le commitment fee

YOUR OPTIONS

£37.50/

m

Unlimited Classes Unlimited Open Practice Sessions Choice of 8 x classes and 7 x practice sessions per week 15 minute Individual Postural Control Assessment and introduction to Qigong 7 Days advanced booking for workshops, courses and retreats 10% OFF workshops, courses and retreats Free Annual Events Free eVideo of current Qigong form to aid home practice Downloadable teaching notes £5 OFF joint membership (and 2 family members) No contract SHEN lifest

y

le commitment fee

£32.50/

m

1 x class, any class of your choice per week 1 x open practice session, any of your choice per week Turn up when it suits you Introduction to Qigong 5% OFF workshops, courses and retreats Free Annual Events Downloadable teaching notes No contract Qi lifest

y

le commitment fee

£48.00

Drop­in 6 x classes pre bought at a discounted rate 6 x Open Practice Sessions (to be attended after your chosen class) Valid for 8 weeks Turn up when it suits you Downloadable teaching notes No contract All commitment fees can be signed up for on our website (you will be charged a small transaction fee).

Alternatively you can get in touch with us directly and set up a standing order with your bank, no fee incurred.

Single drop­in classes are now charged at £9 which includes the subsequent Open Practice Session.

16

maqic

"Still, I am learning."

Michelangelo, on his 87th Birthday I am very pleased to share with you my good news. Recently, in fact on my birthday, I was accepted as a Lifelong student to one of the World's most renowned Daoist Teachers and Masters of Qigong, Master Zhongxian Wu. After twenty years of personal studying, practice, and training with other leading teachers in this field I am now at the next path of my journey.

What is it to be accepted as a Lifelong Student?

Firstly, a student genuinely aspires towards a dedicated lifelong practice of internal cultivation. Second, a dedicated master guides, mentors and passes on to the student authentic techniques from the traditional lineage(s) of ancient Chinese wisdom traditions.

What does this mean?

I will not only continue my daily practice, I will go abroad and study directly with Master Wu one/twice a year. I will be learning Qigong/Neigong and other internal arts, Chinese astrology, calligraphy, the Dao of tea, GuQin, Taiji, XinYi internal martial arts, traditional Qi Healing (aka Medical Qigong), Fengshui and Yijing science. All of which, over time, I will gratefully pass on to you.

17

maqic

18 maqic maqic

breathe If you feel overwhelmed, breathe. It will calm you and release the tensions.

If you are worried about something coming up, or caught up in something that already happened, breathe. It will bring you back to the present.

If you are moving too fast, breathe. It will remind you to slow down, and enjoy life more.

Breathe, and enjoy each moment of this life. They’re too fleeting and few to waste.

Deniz Paradot Lifelong student and teaching practitioner of the Life Arts - Qigong, Nei Gong and Taoism. maqic is written with the intention to find the most important practitioner in your life:you.

Follow me on Facebook @placetobeme Visit www.aplacetobe.me Deniz and Laurie Paradot